House Bill Proposes Hazard Pay for All Local Government Unit Employees at Risk

Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has introduced House Bill No. 4357, aiming to extend hazard pay to all local government unit (LGU) employees engaged in work involving inherent health and safety risks. The proposed legislation, dubbed the "Local Government Employees’ Hazard Pay Act," mandates a monthly hazard pay of no less than 25 percent of the employees’ basic salary, disbursed alongside their regular wages. Representative Lazatin emphasized the need for this provision, citing the exposure government workers, such as public cemetery staff, traffic enforcers, and street sweepers, faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Many government employees were exposed to the dangers of infection while performing their duties, yet not all received hazard pay as they fall outside the coverage of the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers," he explained. The bill outlines eligibility for hazard pay to all LGU employees whose jobs involve imminent danger, heightened difficulty, or increased health risks beyond typical public service conditions. It specifically includes risks related to physical hazards (such as operating dangerous machinery, exposure to vehicular traffic, unstable structures, or working at heights); chemical hazards (handling toxic, corrosive, or flammable materials); biological hazards (exposure to infectious agents, human or animal waste, or contaminated environments); environmental hazards (extreme weather, pollution, or unsanitary outdoor conditions); and any situation threatening life or personal safety. Furthermore, the bill ensures coverage regardless of employment status, encompassing permanent, temporary, casual, contractual, contract of service, or job order workers. Reflecting on his experience as mayor during the pandemic, Lazatin recalled issuing Memorandum Nos. 598 and 602 in 2020, which authorized hazard pay for frontline employees in various city departments, including Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, the Command Center, Social Welfare and Development, the Public Market, and the Public Cemetery. He asserted that this bill seeks to institutionalize equitable hazard pay for all government employees exposed to workplace risks, ensuring fair compensation for their service. "This measure aims to create an equitable system for distributing hazard pay to government workers tasked with duty under hazardous conditions," Lazatin added.

Brazil Triumphs Over China in Exciting Volleyball Clash at Mall of Asia Arena

Volleyball enthusiast Fredinel Arellano was captivated as he watched the FIVB Men's World Championship match between Brazil and China at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on a rainy Sunday evening. Holding a banner adorned with Brazil's colors and emblem, Arellano, 33, cheered passionately for his beloved team, decades in the making. "I first saw them compete during the 2008 Beijing Olympics when I was in high school, and they won the gold medal then. I followed them again at the 2012 London Olympics, and they secured gold once more," Arellano shared. "That's where it all started. I was 16 years old and have been a fan ever since." He specifically praised veteran players Darlan Souza and Ricardo Lucarelli for their long-standing presence on the Brazilian team, contrasting them with the newer additions who recently joined the squad. "Darlan and Lucarelli have been around since their Olympic careers and VNL appearances. They're the familiar faces among many newer players," he noted. Brazil narrowly avoided an upset at the hands of China, securing a 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-21 win in Pool H play. Initial criticisms over the high ticket prices were alleviated when organizers reduced the costs for seats not only at the Mall of Asia Arena but also at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Arellano, a former high school volleyball player and coach who now works for a religious NGO, purchased his ticket for PHP 4,400, down from the original PHP 14,000, calling the experience "priceless." "The atmosphere was electric. There was a playlist featuring Brazilian and Chinese music which really energized the crowd, including fans from both countries," he said. "After the game, players were even allowed to come courtside for photos. They seemed aware of how passionate Filipino fans are and were very approachable." After an unforgettable evening of high-level volleyball, Arellano returned to his home in San Juan, cherishing memories of a night dedicated to one of his lifelong passions.

Lola Amour and Japanese Artist Kokoro Spotlight Growing International Music Collaborations

Filipino pop rock group Lola Amour recently hosted Japanese artist Kokoro from PSYCHIC FEVER as a special guest during their "Love on Loop" concert held on September 12 in Makati. The performance featured their collaborative track "The Moment," alongside Lola Amour’s popular hit "Raining in Manila." The concert marked the celebration of Lola Amour's second album, "Love on Loop," released in August, which also includes a collaboration with New Zealand musician Riiki Reid on the song "One Day Away." Speaking at a press event prior to the concert, Kokoro (Kohatsu Kokoro) expressed his appreciation for working with the Filipino band. "What I learned from Lola Amour are the strong vibes of their music and the maturity of their sound," he said through a live interpreter. He humorously described how he prepared for the project, sharing, "Before recording, to get the mature vibe of their sound, I experimented with my cup of coffee and pretended it was wine in my hand." Lola Amour's lead vocalist, Pio Dumayas, highlighted the seamless nature of their collaboration, crediting the Warner Music team for facilitating the partnership. "I was intimidated at first, but now Kokoro is good friends with all of us," Dumayas noted. Despite the remote nature of their recording sessions across Japan and the Philippines, the band joked that their teamwork kept up their "serious band" reputation—though this facade melted away once Kokoro joined them in person. Kokoro further praised the warm and inviting atmosphere created by Lola Amour during rehearsals, stating, "They have a warm aura and were very kind to me, so I’m thankful for that. It didn’t feel like a job at all. It was fun." Both artists expressed enthusiasm about future collaborations, whether with each other or additional international musicians. Dumayas reflected on the band’s growth since their early days, stating, "We’re much more 'adult' as a band now. Pre-pandemic, we were just college kids with a hobby. We had to learn to be adults and to be professional, and that’s where we are now." He also shared insight into the album’s creation, noting it was deeply personal, with each song inspired by the band members' own experiences. When asked about his favorite track, he pointed to "Dance With My Mistakes," highlighting how it resonates within the album's broader themes. Lola Amour’s embrace of international collaborations underscores an evolving global music scene where artists cross borders and genres to create unique sounds and shared experiences.

Bank of Commerce Upgrades Core Banking System to Enhance Customer Experience

Bank of Commerce, affiliated with entrepreneur Ramon S. Ang’s San Miguel Corporation (SMC), has completed a significant overhaul of its core banking system, enhancing operational efficiency across its nationwide network of 140 branches and 272 ATMs. The initiative aims to provide customers with faster and more seamless banking services. Michelangelo R. Aguilar, BankCom’s president and CEO, stated that the bank collaborated with Infosys, a leading digital banking solutions provider, and IBM, a global leader in cloud computing and AI technologies, to implement the upgrade. Remarkably, the entire system migration was executed over a single weekend, reflecting strong coordination among bank personnel, vendors, and technology partners. Aguilar emphasized the strategic importance of the upgrade, noting, \"These enhancements are a significant part of our digital transformation, as we continue to innovate to help ensure we’re delivering better banking experiences for our customers.\" He further highlighted that the improvements not only increase the bank’s flexibility in offering products and services but also bolster efficiency, security, and reliability. As a publicly-listed universal bank, BankCom continues to support its clientele, communities, and partners within the SMC group by providing diverse financial services. The bank reported an unaudited net income of PHP 1.86 billion as of June 30, 2025, marking a 31% increase compared to the prior year, driven by strong revenue growth. With its extensive presence through branches and automated teller machines, BankCom remains committed to delivering enhanced banking experiences nationwide.

Philippines Eyes High-Value Lapu-Lapu Farming to Boost Aquaculture Sector

In the evolving landscape of Philippine aquaculture, there is growing interest in cultivating Lapu-Lapu (grouper), a high-value fish that commands prices ranging from ₱800 to ₱1,395 per kilogram. This significantly outpaces the market rates for tilapia (₱43 to ₱271/kg) and milkfish (₱150 to ₱250/kg), positioning Lapu-Lapu as a potentially lucrative alternative for local fish farmers. Lapu-Lapu's appeal extends beyond local demand, enjoying popularity in international markets such as Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and Singapore. Transitioning to its farming could strengthen local aquaculture and enhance export revenues. Despite considerable startup costs for Lapu-Lapu cultivation, industry experts suggest that forming cooperatives can alleviate financial pressures. Pooling resources allows fish farmers to collectively purchase equipment, feed, and other inputs, lowering overall expenses. Moreover, the premium prices associated with Lapu-Lapu make it feasible to recover investments swiftly, yielding long-term profitability. Experts advocate for a diversified aquaculture approach, recommending that farmers continue growing tilapia and milkfish alongside Lapu-Lapu, but in separate ponds due to differing dietary needs. An environmental advantage is noted: Lapu-Lapu consume "trash fish," including unsellable tilapia and milkfish, reducing waste and improving farm efficiency. Sustainability is also a priority, with emphasis on integrating fishponds with existing mangrove ecosystems rather than clearing them. Mangroves provide critical habitats and natural nurseries for marine life, supporting biodiversity and coastal resilience. Current best practices encourage mangrove restoration and replanting as essential components of sustainable aquaculture developments. Realizing this vision requires enhanced coordination among key government bodies including the Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). Their roles include delivering training, technical support, and funding assistance. The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) can further facilitate cooperative models, while the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is encouraged to promote research and knowledge transfer through academic institutions. Some have debated the appropriateness of naming the grouper after the national hero Lapu-Lapu. Advocates argue that associating a prized fish with the legendary figure honors his legacy, as also seen in the naming of a major Cebu city after him. Ultimately, embracing high-value grouper farming offers the Philippines a transformative path to elevate its aquaculture sector. Through cooperative farming, sustainable environmental practices, and unified governmental support, this initiative could expand export capacity, boost employment, and strengthen food security within the country. The pivotal question for stakeholders remains: Is the Philippines ready to invest in the promising potential of Lapu-Lapu aquaculture?

New York Times CEO Vows to Resist Trump’s $15 Billion Lawsuit Over Coverage

Meredith Kopit Levien, CEO of the New York Times, firmly rejected the $15 billion lawsuit filed against the newspaper by former President Donald Trump, describing the legal action as without merit and intended to intimidate the press. Speaking at a Financial Times conference, Levien stated that the lawsuit lacked any legitimate legal foundation and aimed to suppress fact-based journalism for which the Times and other media outlets are known. "The lawsuit has no merit. It lacks any legitimate legal claims. I believe its purpose is to stifle independent journalism, to deter the kind of fact-based reporting that the Times and other institutions are known for," she said. Levien emphasized that there is a well-known strategy being employed against the media, commenting, "There is an anti-press playbook at this point. The New York Times will not be cowed by this." The lawsuit, filed on Monday, accuses the New York Times of deliberately publishing articles and a book containing "repugnant distortions and fabrications about President Trump." This legal complaint marks part of a broader pattern of lawsuits initiated by Trump against media companies, including a $10 billion defamation suit against the Wall Street Journal earlier this year. When asked for a response, the New York Times reiterated that the claims in the lawsuit lack legal validity and described the case as an attempt to suppress independent journalism. The White House did not immediately provide a comment on the matter. The ongoing legal disputes underscore the heightened tensions between Trump and major news organizations during his second term, with media freedom and accountability at the core of the conflict.

BDO Unibank Denies Security Breach Amid Jana Berenguer Transaction Dispute

BDO Unibank has firmly denied allegations of a security breach and insider involvement raised by content creator Jana Berenguer regarding unauthorized transactions on her account. The bank stated that their thorough investigation found no evidence of any compromise or internal collusion. In its official statement, BDO emphasized, \"BDO’s system remains secure, with no evidence of any breach or insider involvement.\" These remarks come after Berenguer aired her grievances on social media, claiming that funds were withdrawn from her account without her consent and suggesting possible insider participation. Berenguer, known for her lifestyle and consumer advocacy content, admitted in an interview that her mobile device was accessed by others at some point. However, BDO outlined that on September 14, Berenguer’s password was reset and a new device was registered, both actions verified through a one-time password (OTP) sent to her registered mobile number. The bank affirmed, \"There was no change in the mobile number used to receive the OTP. The client’s official device remains to be the device that receives official client communication.\" On September 15, subsequent transactions were carried out, and BDO confirmed that transaction alerts were sent six hours prior to Berenguer contacting their hotline. The bank clarified the security measures, noting, \"Transactions through BDO Pay require PIN or biometrics, not OTP. OTP is required only for device registration, not for transactions via BDO Pay.\" In defense of Berenguer, her talent agency, Talent Marketers Inc., stated that their client had exercised due diligence, denying negligence. The agency asserted, \"Our talent did not share her password, her OTP, nor did she click on any suspicious links. She exercised due diligence in safeguarding her personal banking information. Despite this, her hard-earned money disappeared without her knowledge or consent.\" Despite the agency’s stance, BDO maintained that their safeguards functioned properly, with transfer limits observed and security features effective. The bank's statement concluded, \"BDO has put in place different features intended to protect clients’ accounts. These controls will not work if clients ignore warning signs and messages sent by the bank through official channels.\" This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in securing online financial transactions and reinforces the importance of vigilance from both clients and institutions.

Nestlé Appoints Pablo Isla as Chairman to Spearhead Digital Transformation

Nestlé announced the early appointment of Pablo Isla as its new chairman, effective October 1, replacing longtime leader Paul Bulcke. The 61-year-old Spaniard, renowned for transforming Inditex—the parent company of Zara—into a global fast-fashion powerhouse, is expected to bring his extensive experience in digital innovation, logistics, and consumer trends to the Swiss food and beverage giant. Isla's tenure at Inditex saw the company’s sales soar from €6.7 billion in 2005 to €27.7 billion in 2021, as well as an eightfold increase in its stock price. His pioneering integration of digital and physical retail, including deploying RFID technology for real-time inventory management and accelerated product launches, revolutionized Zara’s global operations. His appointment follows the abrupt dismissal of Nestlé’s former CEO Laurent Freixe and comes amid investor dissatisfaction over the company’s declining profitability and stock performance. Nestlé shares have dropped 33% over the past three years, underperforming competitors such as Unilever and Danone. A Nestlé insider highlighted that Isla’s proficiency in merging online and offline retail aligns with the company’s goal to enhance its digital capabilities. "Pablo was instrumental in integrating the digital and physical shopping experience at Inditex, and this expertise will be critical for driving Nestlé's digital strategy forward," the source said. Nestlé has already increased its online sales substantially, achieving 20.2% of total sales through digital channels—outpacing most of its rivals. Alongside newly appointed CEO Philipp Navratil, who previously led Nespresso, Isla is expected to accelerate Nestlé’s digital transformation and improve supply chain efficiency using artificial intelligence and other innovative technologies. Experts anticipate Isla to offer hands-on leadership and mentorship to Navratil, drawing on his extensive executive experience. Guido Stein, corporate leadership professor at IESE Business School, remarked, "Isla’s leadership style combines approachability with high demands, fostering growth while guiding the team effectively." Having successfully managed complex leadership transitions at Inditex, Isla is poised to implement strategic changes at Nestlé, including potential restructuring and divestment of non-core brands. Navratil has publicly emphasized the need for agility and openness to innovation in the company’s future direction. With this leadership duo, Nestlé aims to regain growth momentum and adapt swiftly to evolving market dynamics, reaffirming its position as a global industry leader.

Camarines Sur Ranks Among Top 5 Most Business-Friendly Provinces in the Philippines

Governor Luis Raymund "Lray" Villafuerte revealed that Camarines Sur has been recognized as one of the top five finalists for the 2025 Most Business-Friendly Province Award by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This distinction comes amid more than 30 provinces vying for the prestigious title. Villafuerte emphasized the province's significant achievements in attracting investments, stating, "To date, CamSur has secured over ₱300 BILLION in ongoing foreign investments. With our reforms to ease doing business, supportive policies, and progressive initiatives, we anticipate this amount will double within the next three to five years." He further underscored that the accolade serves as a testament to Camarines Sur’s position as a burgeoning center for innovation, tourism, and investment in the Philippines. "This recognition proves that Camarines Sur is not only open for business but is poised to be a future hub in several key sectors," Villafuerte said. Expressing gratitude, Villafuerte acknowledged the efforts of the local business community, "Being named a finalist is already a significant honor. My sincere thanks to the CamSur Chamber of Commerce and everyone who contributed to this achievement. Dios Mabalos."

Boss Kape at Luto ni Jac: Promoting Healthy, Homemade Meals Amid Pandemic Challenges

Food has long been recognized as a symbol of love, especially when words fall short. Reflecting on college days often brings back memories of starting mornings with coffee or a quick bite. Among favorite spots then was Boss Kape at Luto ni Jac, a café rooted in the vision of its owner, Jac Santos. Santos launched her business during the pandemic, a period marked by widespread uncertainty. Challenging as it was, she channeled her culinary passion into serving healthy, homemade meals as an alternative to the usual quick and inexpensive food options often found in school settings—like instant noodles or junk food. Situated in Guiguinto, Bulacan, and on the campus of Bulacan State University, Boss Kape offers a menu that stands out through its dedication to wholesome ingredients, affordability, and the absence of preservatives. The menu features a variety of dishes including Sausage and Spinach Pasta—a hearty option enriched with smoky Hungarian sausage—as well as Tuna Marinara, Pinoy Baked Mac, Chicken Alfredo, Tuna Carbonara, Creamy Hungarian, Mac & Cheese, Aglio Olio, and Tuna Pesto. Salad enthusiasts can enjoy both Caesar Salad and Potato Salad. Jac Santos emphasizes that cooking is more than just meal preparation; it is a means of providing healthier food choices during difficult times. Her café embodies this philosophy by prioritizing health without compromising on taste or comfort. In an era where fast food and convenience meals dominate, the rise of Boss Kape at Luto ni Jac is a testament to how passion-driven enterprises can thrive by addressing community needs. The café’s commitment illustrates that food serves as nourishment not only for the body but also for the spirit, fostering connection and care. For residents of Guiguinto and students at Bulacan State University, Boss Kape represents more than a dining option—it is a place where each meal is crafted with intention, love, and a dedication to wellness. From savory pastas to refreshing salads and energizing beverages, it offers a rare balance of health, flavor, and accessibility.